A grieving partner is pointing the finger at NSW Health after his fiancée, Kerrie Carroll, tragically died by suicide just days after being discharged from hospital following a previous attempt. Clint, Kerrie's partner, is speaking out, claiming the system failed her and expressing deep concerns that critical changes needed to prevent similar tragedies haven't been implemented.

Kerrie's death, which occurred in December 2023, has sparked renewed scrutiny of mental health services in New South Wales. According to Clint, Kerrie had been admitted to a hospital after a prior suicide attempt. While she was discharged, he believes she wasn't provided with adequate support or a robust follow-up plan, leaving her vulnerable and without the necessary resources to cope with her ongoing mental health struggles.

“It’s devastating. She was discharged just one day later, and then this happened,” a heartbroken Clint told reporters. “I begged them to keep her longer, to give her more help. I feel like they just let her go, and now she’s gone.”

Clint’s concerns are not solely about the immediate discharge. He alleges a broader systemic failure within NSW Health, highlighting what he perceives as a lack of consistent protocols for managing patients at high risk of suicide. He’s worried that the same mistakes that contributed to Kerrie’s death could happen again to others struggling with mental health issues.

“I'm not a medical expert, but it just doesn’t add up. There wasn’t enough follow-up, enough support. It felt like a tick-box exercise rather than genuine care,” Clint explained. He is calling for a thorough investigation into Kerrie's case and a comprehensive review of mental health practices within NSW Health.

This tragic incident comes at a time when mental health services are already under immense pressure across Australia. Experts have long warned about the need for increased funding, improved access to care, and better training for healthcare professionals in identifying and managing suicidal ideation. The case of Kerrie Carroll has reignited the call for urgent action.

A spokesperson for NSW Health has stated that they are aware of the situation and are offering their condolences to Kerrie’s family and friends. They have also confirmed that they will be conducting a review into the circumstances surrounding her death. However, Clint remains skeptical, stating that promises of review have been made before without tangible results.

“I don’t want this to happen to anyone else,” Clint pleaded. “I just want the system to change. I want Kerrie’s death to mean something, to prevent other families from having to go through this unimaginable pain.”

The family is seeking legal advice and are determined to hold NSW Health accountable for what they believe was a preventable tragedy. The case is likely to spark a wider debate about the adequacy of mental health services and the responsibility of healthcare providers in protecting vulnerable patients.